W126 wheel choices
Discussion
UK market cars came from the factory with the "baroque" alloy wheel, size 14 x 6.5 ET 30. They wear 205/70 VR 14 tyres which are now very hard to come by. A great looking wheel, it is also now available in size 15 x 7 ET 25 fitment, taking 205/65 VR 15 tyres, which are bit easier to find.
There were no factory options. It was not then like it is now.
Most European market cars came with 14" steel wheels and disc trims, same size as the alloys.
AMG five spoke "Pentas" were available in period in 15" and 16" diameters and widths of 7", 8" and 9".
There were no factory options. It was not then like it is now.
Most European market cars came with 14" steel wheels and disc trims, same size as the alloys.
AMG five spoke "Pentas" were available in period in 15" and 16" diameters and widths of 7", 8" and 9".
The two options from the factory were either the standard steel wheels with plastic hubcaps or the optional alloy wheels .
As referred to above they were variously described as 'Baroque' , 'Mexican Hat' or by the maker's name 'Fuchs' . Your 380 model is the earlier 'Generation 1' series and had the aforementioned wheels , the later 'Generation 2' cars after the mid term facelift usually had either steel wheels or , more usually , the flat face '15 hole' alloys . Very late cars came with the 8 hole wheels similar in style to those used on the W124 series and , later , on the W140 .
Here are a few pictures of my two W126 cars : the Generation 1 280SE with 'Mexican Hat' wheels and the Generation 2 500SEL with 15 Hole wheels .
Also a shot of my W124 300TE which had the 8 hole style ( W124 wheels have a different offset though , so be careful if buying used wheels ) .
As referred to above they were variously described as 'Baroque' , 'Mexican Hat' or by the maker's name 'Fuchs' . Your 380 model is the earlier 'Generation 1' series and had the aforementioned wheels , the later 'Generation 2' cars after the mid term facelift usually had either steel wheels or , more usually , the flat face '15 hole' alloys . Very late cars came with the 8 hole wheels similar in style to those used on the W124 series and , later , on the W140 .
Here are a few pictures of my two W126 cars : the Generation 1 280SE with 'Mexican Hat' wheels and the Generation 2 500SEL with 15 Hole wheels .
Also a shot of my W124 300TE which had the 8 hole style ( W124 wheels have a different offset though , so be careful if buying used wheels ) .
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